🌙 South Carolina Knife Laws
Overview
South Carolina has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of all knives is legal in South Carolina. No statute restricts the open carry of knives. The concealed weapons statute (§ 16-23-460) addresses only concealed carry and does not limit open carry.
Statute: 16-23-460.
Concealed carry of knives is legal. Section 16-23-460(C) explicitly exempts 'dirks, slingshots, metal knuckles, knives, or razors' from the concealed weapons prohibition unless they are 'used with the intent to commit a crime or in furtherance of a crime.'
Statute: 16-23-460.
South Carolina imposes no general blade length limit for carrying knives in public. On elementary or secondary school property, knives with blades over 2 inches are prohibited under § 16-23-430.
Statute: 16-23-430., 16-23-460.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are not prohibited under South Carolina state law. No statute specifically addresses or bans switchblades. They are covered by the general knife exemption in § 16-23-460(C). Statute: 16-23-460. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are not prohibited under South Carolina state law. No statute specifically addresses or bans balisongs. They fall under the general knife exemption in § 16-23-460(C). Statute: 16-23-460. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives are not specifically addressed or prohibited under South Carolina state law. The statutes do not regulate knives by type or concealment mechanism. Statute: 16-23-460. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not specifically addressed in South Carolina statutes. The state does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. They are legal under the general knife exemption in § 16-23-460(C). Statute: 16-23-460. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not specifically addressed or prohibited under South Carolina state law. No state statute bans them by type. However, federal restrictions on ballistic knives still apply (18 U.S.C. 1716, 15 U.S.C. 1245). Statute: 16-23-460. |
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
